(Reuters) - Russian forces are now in control of around 70% of Sievierodonetsk, a strategically important city in Ukraine's east, Luhansk regional governor Serhiy Gaidai said on Wednesday.

       "Some Ukrainian troops have retreated to more advantageous, pre-prepared positions," Gaidai said on the Telegram messaging app.

       (Reporting by Pavel Polityuk; Writing by Aleksandar Vasovic; Editing by Catherine Evans)